Stratigraphy Project
Layers of History
Archaeology Curriculum Extension Unit
Due: Friday, Jan. 10, 2013
Students in the Archaeology C.E.U. have studied the concept of stratigraphy, which is the
analysis of the order and position of layers of buried artifacts. We examined a (clean!) trashcan,
carefully pulling out the contents so that we could analyze each item and the relevance of its
layer. We came to the conclusion that items from further in the past are buried deeper in the
earth (or in a trashcan), while those more recent are found closer to the top. Knowing this,
archaeologists can make sense of a lifestyle or society of long ago.
In the fall of 2007, archaeologists found James Madison's midden, or trash pile. After analyzing
the items they found, scientists and historians have been able to piece together a clearer picture
of what life was like for the Madisons based on their trash!
So, whether it is trash in a trash pit or artifacts buried in the ground, the items in the ordered
layers can tell a chronological story about someone or a time in history.
Your child will complete an at-home project based upon these concepts to show the history (or
change) of a person over chronologically ordered time.
Steps to Follow for the Project: (See Rubric)
1. Your child will choose either a relative (parent, grandparent, etc.) or a famous figure.
This person's life is what the project will be based upon, so it will involve some research.
2. Choose "artifacts" based upon different times of the chosen person's life that would
represent him/her over time. (An artifact from very early in life will be quite different
from one later on.)
3. Decide how you will showcase the artifacts in chronological layers. In class we have
discussed using beans, cardboard, cotton, or anything else that could create layers for the
artifacts. We also discussed using a container for the layers and artifacts so that someone
could see a cross-section of the layers. Ideas were a clear large pretzel tub, a box with a
side cut out and replaced with plastic wrap, or a 2 liter bottle. Be creative!
4. Place the artifacts that your child gathers or makes in your chosen container
chronologically so that the deepest layer has the earliest artifact and so on. Include a title
and the student’s name neatly mounted on the container.
5. A typed explanation should be comprised of a list of the artifacts in chronological order
and what each artifact can tell us about the featured person. (For instance, an old
hightop shoelace may represent a time the person played a lot of basketball in his or her
life, winning the state championship in college.) Please include the title and student’s
name on the typed explanation.
6. Your child should be prepared to share his/her work in class. If s/he signs up to present
at Excellence Night, the project will be showcased there as well.
Please contact me if any questions or concerns arise during the project.
Thank you,
Mrs. Weeks
Heather_weeks@hcpss.org
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Please sign and return this portion to Mrs. Weeks by Fri., Dec. 6, 2013.
I have read the information on my child's Archaeology C.E.U. project and understand that it is
due in school on
_____________________________.
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Student's Name
Parent Signature